CartoonsI was reading the Sunday paper cartoons on the deck at our old house.

I love reading. 

I still remember the very first book I read. It was part of series in my kindergarten class that helped small children learn to read and it was titled, "Monsters Under The Bed." I read it over and over. 

In fifth grade, I read my most favorite book in the world, "To Kill A Mockingbird." At the time, my family was dealing with some heavy problems and the adventure of little Scout Finch and her older brother reminded me of the simpler, summer days of my childhood. 

Reading has a way of transporting the reader into another world guided by the thoughtful and, sometimes shocking, hand of another. Reading can distract, entertain, improve, and provoke change in the lives of the audience. It provides perspective and a calming effect on my mind, and I think it's one of the loveliest inventions our species has ever created. 

Unfortunately, I haven't been as diligent about reading as I could be. While attending college for my bachelor's degree, I swore off reading for pleasure altogether as I just couldn't find the time and hated putting a book down for extended periods. After graduating in 2011, I wholeheartedly assumed I'd start blasting through books as quickly as my pre-college days but the weeks slipped by faster than I could count them. I no longer had the "urge" to devour a good book and instead opted for cell phone games and Netflix shows after a long day. 

Recently, I resolved to change this for a few reasons: 
     1). I didn't feel like I was accomplishing anything or using my time wisely. I wasn't being "fed." 
     2). I've always wanted to become a novelist. One of the largest pieces of advice I discovered is to read, read, read. 

I don't focus on particular genres. I've read everything from "chick lit" novels to The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to science fiction. I enjoy adventure, memoirs, biographies, mystery, crime, and humor. I'll pretty much pick up anything but whether it keeps me entertained is a whole other mountain. I have a difficult time sitting through entire movies, and if a book does not grasp me, I will not finish it (ahem, sorry Grapes of Wrath). 

Upon receiving a job 25 miles from my home, I downloaded Audible.com so I could listen to books during my commute. Listening to books offers an entirely different experience from reading a book. Sometimes, it's easier to space off and not register what I've just heard but I also have the benefit of hearing the proper pronunciation of names and foreign words. 

So, to keep me on the path to my reading goals, I will be blogging about all the books I finish, and let you know what I will be reading next. I hope, more than anything, to connect with others who have similar hurdles to a creative life and that we can discover good reads together. 

So, until my first review of "The Book Thief," take care! 

-Kylie

Goodreads username: KylieMarie
Instagram: @KylieMariePhotography
Twitter: @KylieKeppler

ReadingI finished Mockingjay by the pool in San Diego!

Little Free LibraryThis is the Little Free Library down the street from me.